Technology and Materials
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Fuji. Simply Better.
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Good design can be complicated. But better design is often quite simple. Our design
philosophy at Fuji embodies the concept of constant improvement and innovation while,
at the same time, keeping a hold on the tried-and-true engineering that’s proven itself
over the years.
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We have a four-point focus to our product development starting with SAFETY. All of our frames are extensively tested to meet and exceed the highest worldwide safety standards, including CPSC and DIN, before we put them on the market. That’s how we do our little part in reducing your stress level. We know the roads and trails along life’s journey are filled with enough obstacles already, but you can feel confident that when you put a leg over a Fuji, all you have to think about is enjoying the ride.
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The second focus is PERFORMANCE. We know you have goals. So do we. Our biggest goal?
To help you attain yours. Every detail, from the Energy Transfer Chainstay on our high-end
race bikes to the aggressive geometry on our XC hard tail mountain bikes is built-in to help
you meet your riding goals. Whether you’re after a world championship title or just king of
the coffee ride this weekend, you can count on Fuji to help you perform.
Of course, there is optimal FIT. Our bikes are all designed with you in mind. Not the you who
is one-size-fits-all, but the you that has particular and very specific needs when it comes to feeling comfortable and therefore getting the most out of a bike. A bicycle should feel like an extension of yourself, but unless you’ve ridden a Fuji lately, you might not know what we
mean. By offering a wide range of sizes, we ensure a nearly seamless transition between you and your bike. Our bikes range in size from kids’ sidewalk cruisers to classically designed road
bikes as large as 64cm. We have compact frames as small as 42cm and our hybrids come in
eight different sizes. And not only are the frames made to accommodate, we spec the bikes to fit, as well. For example, smaller hands have a shorter reach to the brakes and adjustable
stems allow for various lean-over angles
And finally, there is WEIGHT. Just like Hollywood, we’re a little obsessed with our weight. It’s just natural. And in this case, literally natural. We build our high-end bikes out of the market’s most advanced carbon and aluminum technologies in order to keep the weight to an absolute minimum. We want to maximize mechanical characteristics while minimizing the material used.
If that sounds familiar, it’s because we borrowed that design philosophy from Mother Nature. And while she does it to preserve resources, we just do it to save your legs.
Safety. Performance. Fit. Weight. We could aim to be good enough. But instead, we aim to
be Simply Better.
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Our Innovative Materials & Design
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C10 Carbon Fiber
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Using a hybridization process handed down by the aerospace industry, we optimized the C10 technology by combining two lightweight, high-modulus carbon fiber materials. SB60, an ultra-stiff fiber, is utilized in areas of the frame that require increased rigidity. M30S, a high strength fiber material, is incorporated into the areas that experience high stress.
First, frame strength is ensured by uniform wall thicknesses resulting from the use of six air pressure bladders which are inflated during the monocoque molding process; and, second, Continuous Fiber Technology (CFT), a unique fiber overlay process, strengthens tube joints without adding extra weight that traditional tube-to-tube designs incur.
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The SL-1
The result of our C10 technology is an 890 gram (53cm) road rocket. Fuji’s SL-1 frame is one of the lightest, if not THE lightest, frames on the market today. The fork, weighing in at a modest 350 grams, is full carbon monocoque construction and strong enough to handle steep descents without a quiver.
Energy Transfer Chainstays (ETC), a Fuji-exclusive design, combined with a short 405mm chainstay, gives lateral stability in the rear triangle. An interlocking aluminum bottom bracket shell adds stiffness while keeping the bottom bracket in place under load.
The SL-1’s semi-compact geometry helps keep materials to a minimum and creates a fit that is race-aggressive, yet comfortable. Its unique frame design and construction are what give this bike the highest performance ratings—h’ors categorie.
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| C7 & C4 Carbon |
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The highest level of raw materials and processes available yields the C7 carbon fiber tubing we use in our premium framesets. |
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The C7 carbon fiber has a density of 1.80 g/cm 3 with a tensile strength of 590 kg/mm 2 which provides the basis for a durable, high-performance frame with an extended fatigue life. The design finish is an eye-catching, 12K basket-weave design offering maximized strength and optimized structural performance at minimal weight. This is our advanced, high-modulus carbon fiber composite that is time-tested, race-proven and has produced one of the best bicycle frames in the world.
This year, in addition to C7, we’re introducing a new carbon fiber—called C4—to our lineup of proprietary materials. C4 is also a high-modulus carbon fiber with properties similar to C7, but with its own unique make-up that allows us to introduce carbon bicycles at a more affordable price point.
Just as you compare carats, clarity and color between diamonds, so too can you apply various characteristics to carbon fiber. C4, with 15,000 strand/layer, a density of 1.8 g/cm 3 and a tensile strength of 500 kg/mm 2 is just another take on this unique frame material that has transformed the bicycle industry.
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 Carbon Fiber Warning |
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A6 Aluminum
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This revolutionary quaternary phase aluminum alloy contains magnesium, silicon, copper, and other proprietary elements, making it 35% stronger than conventional aluminum used in bicycle frame construction. Plus, a unique heating process allows for thinner wall tubing in the weld zone without sacrificing strength. Frames built from A6 are incredibly durable and lightweight.
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Altair 2 & 1 Aluminum
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To make Altair 2, we start with the finest grade aluminum with an excellent strength to weight ratio. Once it is drawn, it is double-butted and shaped to our custom specifications to create ultra-lightweight, resilient frames. Altair 1 begins its life as high-grade aluminum. This straight-gauge tubing is drawn, shaped, and tapered to our custom specifications to create durable resilient frames. |
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Elios 2 Chrome-Molybdenum
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To make our Elios 2 tubing, we begin with certified 4130 Chrome-Molydenum. It is drawn and butted which creates a lighter weight tube that still retains the strength of plain-gauge cromoly. This traditional bike material helps make for a smooth, forgiving ride.
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